1910--The parish known as St.
Mary's in Monroe, is the second oldest Catholic congregation in the northwest of the
United States. The first settlers were the sturdy old French, who came to Monroe in 1784
and started what has become the present city. At this time the pioneers had the Ottawa
Tribe of Indians as their neighbors on the south bank of the Sturgeon River, as the River
Raisin was then known, and the Pottawatomies on the north. About 1784 there were some
thirty-five residents on the banks of the Raisin and the need of a priest became urgent.
The Bishop of Quebec in 1784 sent Rev. Father Frechette to the settlement to look after
their needs and make it a part of Old St. Anne's at Detroit. On Oct. 15, 1788, the
settlers selected a site for their church about two miles west of the present one and here
began the observance of their religion. Fr. Frechette attended the community until 1794,
when a permanent appointment was made by the same Bishop in the selection of Rev.Edmund
Burke. He remained with the parish until 1796.

The congregation of St. Mary's was under the charge of many priests until the year
1831, when the Rev. Carabin took charge. He remained until 1843. It was during his
administration that the present St. Mary's was built. In 1843 the Redemptorist Fathers
assumed charge and remained until 1855. The year of 1858 saw the upbuilding of the church
and parish under the rectorship of the late Monsignor Edward Joos and it stands today a
monument to his ability and energy. In June 1871 he was made Vicar Generaly and took
charge of St. Mary's Academy. He was succeeded by Rev.Fr. C. Maes, now Bishop of
Covington, Ky. He remained until 1873. He was succeeded by the Rev. B.G. Soffers, who was
with the parish until 1898.

Fr. Joseph Joos succeeded Fr. Soffers, who died Oct. 28, 1899. On Sept. 12, 1901, Fr.
James S. Downey was assigned as his assistant and both continue in charge up to the
present time. Since this time the old church has been beautified, a $30,000 addition has
been added which, in the course of time, will form a portion of an entire new church.

At present a large and commodious stone and brick school is under construction and will
be ready for occupancy next September. (page 40)